Melanie was aware enough to know by the tension in his jaw that he meant what he said. Reluctantly and angrily, she climbed up and slid onto the seat, then slammed the door. Once Russ was behind the wheel and they were moving, she said, "I didn't take you for a bully."

"And I didn't take you for a chicken."

He drove rapidly out to his lot, parked the truck, went around and opened her door. "Out."

"Do I have a choice?"

"No." As she stepped from the truck, he took her by the arm and walked her down to the lakeshore.

"Sit." He pulled one of the chairs over beside the other. Once she was seated, he sat down beside her.

"Okay, Melanie. When someone refuses to answer the phone or return my calls, I need to know why. We're going to sit here, if it takes all night, until I find out what's going on. If I have done something to upset you, I need to know so I can fix it. I really thought we were friends. And friends don't behave this way."

Staring at the ground, Melanie had no idea how she was going to answer him. She knew her reaction was unreasonable and irrational, and she knew he deserved an explanation, but now she just felt foolish and embarrassed. He had a right to be with whomever he wished.

"Come on, Mel. I won't bite. I just want to know." His tone was kind and patient, and she knew he was looking at her.

"I saw something that upset me because it triggered a lot of old feelings I thought I had dealt with. I know my reaction was irrational and unfounded, but I couldn't help it. I'm really sorry, Russ. This isn't your fault."

"So what did you see that would upset you so much you couldn't talk to me?"

"I saw you outside of Kelly's with the blonde. I know you have a right to see whomever you please. It's none of my business, but it just triggered a reaction I couldn't deal with."

"What blonde?"

"I don't know. She was in your arms and you were kissing her on the cheek. I'm sorry I over-reacted."

"Oh, Mel. That's my cousin, Kate. Her husband had a heart attack last week. She was just telling me that he's going to be okay. There was minimal damage to his heart."

"Now I feel like a real idiot. I'm so embarrassed! It was a totally dumb reaction to what I saw."




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